Soft Washing to Remove Algae and Clogged Gutter Cleaning

Getting rid of that green algae!

This very orange house had some nasty algae growth on its white trim, as well as some seriously clogged downspouts. The flat roof design, combined with sorrounding oaks, really doesn’t do this house any favors. We ended up cleaning the downspouts by hand, as well as using our pressure washer to blow out clogged leaves and debris.

We took care of the algae using a combination of soft wash downstreaming and dedicated soft washing to apply a more aggressive mix of sodium hypochlorite. By the end, the green trim looks sparkling white!

Project at a glance

• Surfaces: Painted siding, white trim, gutters, and downspouts

• Problem: Green algae on the trim and downspouts clogged by leaves from surrounding oaks

• Method: Soft wash downstreaming plus a stronger sodium hypochlorite mix on the algae; downspouts cleared by hand and blown out with the pressure washer

Why clogged gutters matter

When gutters and downspouts clog, rainwater spills over the sides or backs up under the roof edge. That can damage landscaping, erode soil near the foundation, and give mold a damp place to grow. Homes with flat roofs and overhanging oaks need gutter cleaning more often.

Why we soft wash instead of pressure washing

High-pressure water can strip weakened paint, force water behind siding, and etch stucco. Soft washing lets a diluted sodium hypochlorite and surfactant solution do the work: it kills mold, mildew, and algae at the surface, then a low-pressure rinse carries the dirt away.

Because the cleaning solution kills the organic growth instead of just blasting the surface, the exterior stays cleaner longer — and the paint, stucco, and siding underneath stay intact.

Want results like these? Learn more about our gutter cleaning services, or request a free estimate for your home in the greater Tampa area.